Adelaide’s Dr Space Junk takes on the Universe

The Australian Space Agency’s arrival in Adelaide signals an important reconnection for South Australia with its significant space history, according to a new book by Flinders University space archaeologist Dr Alice Gorman.

Will India’s anti-satellite weapon test spark an arms race in space?

India’s successful test of an anti-satellite weapon in low-earth orbit demonstrated its ability to counter the Chinese threat, but better ways must be found to prevent a damaging arms race in orbit.

Why dangerous asteroids heading to Earth are so hard to detect

Earth is often in the firing line of fragments of asteroids and comets, most of which burn up tens of kilometres above our heads. But occasionally, something larger gets through, and we seldom see it coming.

You can help unlock the secrets of the universe

Scientists are appealing for public help on one of the biggest astronomy projects of the next ten years.

ANU research set to shake-up space missions

A new study from The Australian National University (ANU) has found a number of superthin “2D” materials can not only withstand being sent into space, but potentially thrive in the harsh conditions.

Could Australian join the race to mine the moon?

It’s 50 years since man first stepped on the Moon. If and when we return, the plan is not to leave footprints, but to mine it for resources, so what contribution can Australia make towards this goal?

Why belief in a flat Earth is increasing

The Earth is demonstrably a sphere, and yet belief in a ‘flat Earth’ is increasing. However amusing at first glance, this misapprehension points to people’s increasing preference for ill informed internet bubbles rather than expert analysis or fact based critical thinking.

Will China’s moon landing start a new space race?

China’s rise is posing a challenge in space as well as planet Earth for the USA and its allies. However just as competition with the USSR advanced technology in the 1960s, a new space race should generate opportunities as well as threats.

We have a Christmas comet

We’re in for a pre-Christmas treat this weekend, as the cosmos entertains us with two equally exciting gifts: the Geminid meteor shower and the interplanetary comet 46P/Wirtanen.

The problems with small satellites – and what Australia’s Space Agency can do to help

Australia is part of the global explosion in space industries – including the design and engineering of satellites smaller than a loaf of bread – and Australia’s new space agency can help tackle some of the problems associated with this expansion.

Australia takes a new lead in astronomy research

Australian scientists will lead the design phase of a multi-million-dollar project to help one of the world’s most powerful optical telescopes produce images up to three times sharper than the Hubble Space Telescope.

In sight of the red planet

The latest spacecraft to complete the journey to Mars, NASA’s Insight lander, continues mankind’s long held fascination with the red planet.